Georgia Living

Please subscribe and share for local insights in Cobb and Cherokee Counties! The holidays are in full swing and the Evans home is buzzing again. Céline and Clare have returned from Japan, the kids are all in on Christmas mode, and Chris has officially learned how to weld — a dangerous new skill put to use as the family's go-kart project enters its final stretch. But today's episode doesn't stop at holiday fun. We dig into a packed slate of local news shaping Cobb, Cherokee, and North Fulton, with context only a community-rooted show can deliver. In This Episode: 🎄 Family & Holiday Update • Céline and Clare return from Japan • The kids are deep in the holiday season • Chris survives Welding 101 (and nearly burns his eyeballs off — learn why) • The go-kart project is almost ready to roll 🗞 Local News You Should Know • Wildman's Civil War Surplus Store in Kennesaw ordered closed pending a full forensic accounting of the late Dent Myers' estate. The long-controversial shop is now sealed, with court-appointed oversight and no return date in sight. • Cobb CFO Bill Volckmann promoted to Deputy County Manager, stepping into the role as Jimmy Gisi retires after 35 years of service. • Roswell elects a new mayor: Former state representative Mary Robichaux defeats incumbent Kurt Wilson in a runoff focused on transparency, jobs, and intentional growth. • Andy Gaines of the Strand Theatre wins the Governor's Award for the Arts & Humanities, marking another major achievement for Marietta's cultural district. • Cobb County sewer overflow explained: What happened, how it was cleaned, and why it does not affect drinking water. • Marvel pulls major film production out of Georgia, shifting work overseas and raising new questions about the state's future as the "Hollywood of the South." 🏡 Real Estate Market Update: A Dramatic November Slowdown Chris breaks down the data in depth, including: • Inventory levels not seen since the early 2010s • Sales cut nearly in half month-over-month • Buyers negotiating an average of 5.2% off original list price • Why sellers must price with precision • How secondary and tertiary markets respond differently to economic pressure Whether you're buying, selling, or simply curious about our local economy, this episode brings the clarity and context you won't find on national news. Listen & Subscribe Presented By: Sellect Realty — https://sellectrealty.com Simply List Atlanta — https://simplylistatlanta.com

Halloween collided with a home football game, Kiwanis topped up the diaper drive, we discovered Smyrna's North Cooper Lake Park (kid-friendly bike skills loops!), and we unpack Cobb 101 + SPLOST basics. We also share why Santa at Phipps is an ATL tradition worth booking early, and we cover October's market snapshot for Cobb & Cherokee with practical winter strategies for buyers and sellers. Chapters 00:00 — Cold open: Halloween hits different this year (Pope home game) 03:01 — Community heartbeat: Kiwanis diaper drive update 05:00 — Local Spotlight: North Cooper Lake Park (skills loops, playground, pavilion info) 15:26 — Cobb 101 graduation: what we learned about county services & efficiency 20:30 — Public services night: libraries, UGA Extension, waste & senior services 35:05 — SPLOST 101: what that extra penny funds 38:34 — Family tradition: Santa at Phipps (book early) 46:03 — Buckhead eats near Phipps (quick rundown) 48:59 — October market snapshot (Cobb & Cherokee: listings, pendings, price trends) 52:00 — Winter strategy: pricing where buyers are, turnkey prep, rate buydowns 1:02:40 — Programming note: Japan trip & holiday timing; reviews help the show Show notes (resources & links) North Cooper Lake Park (Smyrna): City page with amenities & pavilion reservation phone (678) 631-5395 — Park page. Bonus overview with photos of the MTB skills area — Atlanta Area Parks profile. Cobb 101 Citizens Government Academy: official info & application timeline — Cobb County page. SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax): what it is and what it funds — Cobb County SPLOST hub. UGA Extension (Cobb County): programs, contacts, and location — Extension office. Santa at Phipps (appointment-only): official site for pre-registration, schedule, and contact — santaatphipps.com Cobb Diaper Day (community diaper drive): event, donate, and drop-off details — cobbdiaperday.com. Links to us: Sellect Realty: sellectrealty.com Simply List: simplylistatlanta.com

In this episode of Georgia Living, Chris and Céline catch up after a busy week filled with conference chaos, cooler fall weather, and opening weekend for hunting season. They share laughs from family moments on the road (including a diaper emergency in Savannah!) before diving into community efforts like the Cobb Diaper Day drive — helping local families in need with donations through Sellect Realty. Next, they turn their spotlight to the world's busiest airport — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International — tracing its fascinating roots from a racetrack and Coca-Cola connection to the aviation powerhouse it is today. They also discuss the cities surrounding the airport, from revitalized College Park and historic East Point to Peachtree City's unique golf-cart lifestyle. Then it's back to business with a market update: mortgage rates dipping, buyer activity returning, and what sellers need to know about pricing and home condition in today's market. Rob Doerr of E Home Loan Advisors shares rate data and insights that set the stage for a strong finish to the year. Finally, Chris and Céline unveil major updates to SimplyListAtlanta.com, their Georgia-based DIY brokerage platform. Learn how sellers can now choose their level of support, from With Help to Without Help, use the all-new dashboard, and take advantage of professional photography and custom signage — all from a locally owned company that keeps your dollars in the community. 📦 Support Cobb Diaper Day Donate through the Kiwanis Club of Marietta's Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1C1XJ00GEO3CM/ref=cm_go_nav_hz Or drop off at Sellect Realty, 4180 Providence Rd, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30062 before 2:00 on October 28th, 2025. 🗓️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Fall Weekend Recap 02:00 – Cobb Diaper Day & Savannah Road Trip Story 05:15 – Community Spotlight: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport 11:00 – Surrounding Cities with Easy Airport Access 17:00 – Market Update: Mortgage Rates, Builder Confidence & Buyer Activity 25:00 – What Sellers Need to Know: Pricing, Repairs & Negotiations 27:00 – Lender Shoutout: Rob Doerr, E Home Loan Advisors 28:00 – Investor Insights: The Evans Report & Rental Growth 30:00 – Simply List Atlanta: Updates, New Dashboard & Service Levels 45:00 – Georgia Law, Signs, and Working with a Real Broker 53:00 – Website Upgrades & What's Coming Next 01:00:00 – Closing Notes & Calls to Action Links Mentioned: 🏡 SimplyListAtlanta.com 🏠 SellectRealty.com

In this episode of the Georgia Living Podcast, Chris and Céline Evans welcome fall in Georgia with a mix of family updates, community news, and an in-depth look at the Cobb and Cherokee County real-estate markets. They talk about mountain biking at Sope Creek and Blankets Creek, the latest zoning and school updates, and local community events including: Cobb Diaper Day Drive: Donate diapers to local families in need via the Amazon Wishlist here: 👉 Order Diapers for Cobb Diaper Day Drive We CARE Veterans Fair at the Cobb Civic Center Kennesaw Cemetery Tours: Preserving history and honoring those who built our community Mortgage expert Rob Doerr (E Home Loan Advisors) joins to explain what the recent Fed rate drop actually means for buyers and sellers. Chris and Céline wrap with September housing stats, why Cherokee County prices remain strong, and how to leverage rate buy-downs and lease contingencies for smarter home-buying. 👉 Learn more about real-estate services at SimplyListAtlanta.com and SellectRealty.com 🎧 Follow and review to support local real estate, community, and family conversations from right here in Georgia. 🕓 Episode Chapters & Timeline: 00:00 – Listing update & roofing story 01:15 – Intro – Georgia fall weather returns 03:20 – Mountain biking with Sope Creek Composite Team 06:00 – Trails, training, and getting kids outside 09:00 – Youth sports culture & team support 12:00 – Family updates (DAR Today Podcast & Kiwanis service) 13:30 – Zoning & development news (Villa Rica Rd, Corner Rd, Vineyard Way) 17:00 – Cobb County SAT scores & graduation rates 21:20 – Community events (We CARE Veterans Fair, Kennesaw Cemetery Tours) 26:15 – Cobb Diaper Day Drive – How to help Amazon Wishlist Link 30:15 – Mortgage market update with Rob Doerr (E Home Loan Advisors) 35:00 – Creative financing & rate buy-down strategies 40:00 – Buyer vs. seller leverage today 50:00 – September housing stats (Cobb & Cherokee County) 57:30 – Traffic & urban growth discussion 1:04:00 – Market supply, pricing trends, and inventory 1:10:00 – Negotiation tips & pricing mindset 1:12:40 – Long-term real-estate wealth strategy 1:13:30 – From the Ground Up book discussion 1:15:00 – Céline's genealogy story on property ownership 1:17:00 – Closing & community wrap-up

This week on Georgia Living, we're celebrating Constitution Week and the freedoms it represents. We take you to the heart of Marietta Square, where a reproduction Liberty Bell—cast by London's legendary Whitechapel Bell Foundry, the same makers of the original Liberty Bell and Big Ben—has stood since the Bicentennial of 1976. We'll share the fascinating history of the foundry, the story of how the bell came to Marietta, and invite you to the Constitution Week bell-ringing ceremony happening this Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in Glover Park. Also in this episode: Flag display rules for homeowners — what the U.S. Flag Code says about proper care, display, and retirement. Georgia history spotlight: George Walton, one of Georgia's signers of the Declaration of Independence, and his home, Meadow Garden, in Augusta. Cobb County headlines: Cherokee Street widening, Strand Theatre's 90th anniversary, a new memorial pathway honoring Rev. Nelson Price, and more. Local school news: CCSD investigates educators' social media posts after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. Statewide outlook: Georgia sets a record $26.3 billion in new investments and 23,300 new jobs, keeping the state ranked #1 for business. 📍 Whether you're reflecting on our founding ideals, stopping by the bell in the Square, or brushing up on local headlines, this episode connects history with what's happening now in Cobb and across Georgia.

On this week's Georgia Living, Celine and Chris cover Cobb County's latest housing stats and why they matter in the bigger economy—from the lock-in effect to rising months' supply—plus a full rundown of September events (East Cobber Parade, North Georgia State Fair, Cool Cars & Cops, and more). We also preview a coming-soon 4BR ranch in Bethlehem and demystify buydowns, HELOCs, cash-out refis, ARMs, lock-and-shop, and float-downs. What we cover DA Sonya Allen's Victim Advocates' Academy (next session Sept 4; final Sept 8) Planning Commission holds RaceTrac proposal (Bells Ferry & Barrett) to Oct 7 Title IX complaint filed re: Pope High School girls basketball Events: East Cobber Parade (Sept 13), Mother–Son Campout (Sept 13–14), Square Screenings (Sept 19), North Georgia State Fair (Sept 18–28), Cool Cars & Cops (Sept 13) Cobb County August housing stats: prices +2.1% YoY, inventory +22.4% YoY, pendings/closings down, MOS up How to think about buydowns and rate strategy in 2025 Work with us Website: https://www.sellectrealty.com/ Contact: https://www.sellectrealty.com/contact/ Office: 4180 Providence Rd, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30062 Call 770-509-0265 | Text 678-694-7937 This episode is for educational purposes and is not financial or legal advice. Market conditions and loan programs change; consult your lender and real estate professional.

Chris & Céline Evans bring you another week of Georgia Living Podcast, your go-to Cobb County local podcast for community stories, family updates, sports, and real estate insights. This week we share our family update (including the best thing Céline cooked), preview Cobb County high school football games, and highlight some of the biggest upcoming events: the East Cobber Parade & Festival, North Georgia State Fair, Taste of Smyrna, and the Acworth Mimosa Festival. We also dive into the Cobb 101 program and close with a homeowner's checklist to prepare your property for hurricane season. Whether you're in Marietta, East Cobb, or anywhere around North Atlanta, this podcast connects you to the people, places, and events shaping our community. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly updates on Cobb County living, events, and real estate. Find the recipe and a hurricane prep checklist at: https://www.sellectrealty.com/georgia-living-podcast/ep-31-parades-football-hurricane-prep-and-a-sweet-treat/

Georgia Living Podcast: Episode 29 – Back from Hiatus: Alaska Adventures, Local Traditions, and Real Estate Insights Episode Overview: Chris and Céline Evans are back after an eventful summer break filled with family adventures in Alaska, humorous anecdotes, and insights into local traditions. They share their unique Fourth of July experience at an internationally renowned car-launching event in Glacier View, Alaska. The episode also covers exciting community updates, back-to-school traditions in Marietta, upcoming events like the All 4 Kids Consignment Sale, and a detailed real estate market update for Cobb County. Segment Highlights: Summer Recap and Alaskan Adventures Chris and Céline discuss their annual trip to Alaska for property maintenance and family time. Highlights include: Experiencing the unique daylight conditions during the Fourth of July. Attending the Glacier View Car Launch, an internationally renowned event drawing visitors from across the globe. Family adventures and collecting automotive souvenirs from launched cars. Back-to-School Traditions The hosts reflect humorously on how modern school experiences differ from their own. They celebrate the quirky local tradition of Marietta High School seniors toilet-papering their school, thanking the Marietta Fire Department for their cleanup efforts. Real Estate Market Update Chris provides a comprehensive analysis of Cobb County's real estate market: Median Sales Price: $460,000 (Up 2.2% YoY) Active Inventory: Up 38.6% Days on Market: Approximately 21 days, a 90.9% increase from last year Market characterized as a buyer's market, highlighting the importance of turnkey homes. Real Estate Resources: Request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): broker@sellectrealty.com Community Events All 4 Kids Consignment Sale: Location: Jim Miller Park and His Hands Church, Woodstock Dates: Seasonal, with detailed schedules available here Blackwell Farmers Market: Location: Saint Andrew UMC Schedule: Saturdays through August, 9 AM - 12 PM High School Football Season Pope High School vs. Cambridge: August 16th Walton High School vs. Roswell: August 29th Family Organization and Routines Chris and Céline share practical tips for family organization and managing screen time, emphasizing adjustments needed during the school year. Listen and Subscribe Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Visit Sellect Realty for more details.